“Revolutionizing Ground-Based Air Defense: MBDA Unveils the NCES Network-Centric Architecture”

MBDA’s NCES: Revolutionizing Ground-Based Air Defence

MBDA has introduced NCES (Network-Centric Engagement Solutions), a cutting-edge, network-centric architecture designed for ground-based air defence, leveraging state-of-the-art real-time data exchange protocols. This system is currently in the integration testing phase, with plans for delivery to a military client in the near future. NCES departs from traditional air defence setups, offering innovative advancements.

“Our approach involves networking sensor resources to create an optimal air traffic representation. Ground-to-air assets, including very short-, short-, and medium-range firing units, as well as coordination and engagement centres, are interconnected to provide a more comprehensive and effective defence solution,” explains Franck Seuzaret, Head of Battlefield and Air Defence Systems. “These architectures can be deployed locally and scaled up to encompass national defence capabilities. MBDA can deliver an array of capabilities: sensors, communication tools, coordination centres, firing units, and an engagement mechanism that integrates seamlessly with existing defence infrastructures.”

Unlike conventional hierarchical air defence architectures, which can be rigid, NCES offers extensive operational flexibility and resilience. With NCES, ground-based air defence moves away from the limitations of a fixed battery reliant on a singular radar and command & control (C2) system. Engagement networks can immediately acquire effectors or launcher systems upon connection, while sensors improve situational awareness as they join the network. In the event of a lost command & control centre, missile and sensor equipment connected to it can be dynamically reassigned to another command & control centre via the network, ensuring no reduction in firepower.

This innovative NCES architecture is adaptable for a wide range of organizations, from mobile batteries to comprehensive territorial defence systems. It can seamlessly integrate with current ground-based air defence systems through gateways that convert data typically exchanged by the battery with adjacent defence tiers, enhancing interoperability.

“As a global leader in ground-based air defence, MBDA has delivered over 4,000 missiles and 500 firing units to 23 clients worldwide since our establishment in 2001. Our diversified offerings cater to various layers of ground-based air defence, from very short-range to extended air defence solutions. Our extensive experience with diverse armed forces organizational structures and interception technologies has enabled MBDA to craft a sustainable architecture for NCES, prepared to integrate future innovations,” states Antoine Bouvier, CEO of MBDA.